Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has proposed a substantial policy shift aimed at formally recognizing and compensating village elders. The proposal, recently presented to the Senate Standing Committee on National Security, recommends instituting a monthly allowance of Ksh.7,000 for village elders. This initiative seeks to acknowledge the critical role these elders play in grassroots administration and integrate them more formally into the national government framework.
Currently, village elders are pivotal in local governance, overseeing village affairs and assisting in the implementation of government policies at the grassroots level. They work under the guidance of Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs, managing local issues and supporting administrative functions crucial to community well-being. Despite their significant contributions, these elders have traditionally served as volunteers, receiving no formal compensation for their efforts.
The proposed policy aims to address this long-standing issue by designating village elders as government officers on special duty. This designation would elevate their status and provide them with a structured allowance, acknowledging their role in local administration. The plan outlines a phased approach to the implementation of the allowance. Initially, the proposal suggests a stipend of Ksh. 2,000 per month, which aligns with the current payments made to elders under the Inua Jamii Programme—a social support initiative targeting vulnerable populations. As Kenya’s economic conditions improve, the allowance could be gradually increased to a maximum of Ksh. 7,000.
This policy change is intended to formalize the role of village elders and enhance their effectiveness in local governance. By providing financial compensation, the Ministry of Interior aims to ensure that village elders can carry out their responsibilities more effectively and remain actively engaged in public committees and decision-making processes within their communities. The Ministry believes that recognizing the contributions of village elders through formal compensation will lead to greater administrative efficiency at the local level.
Currently, Kenya has 9,045 sub-locations and 106,072 villages, and the proposal could affect a substantial number of individuals across the country. The adjustment in policy seeks not only to provide financial support but also to integrate the village level more deeply into the national administrative system. By doing so, the government aims to foster a more structured and efficient local governance framework, which could enhance overall community management and support.
The rationale behind this proposal is multifaceted. It aims to address the gap in formal recognition and compensation for village elders, who have historically performed their duties voluntarily despite their essential role in governance. The allowance is designed to acknowledge their hard work and ensure that their efforts are valued by the government. This recognition could also boost the morale of village elders and encourage more active participation in their roles.
As the Senate deliberates on the proposal, the focus will be on ensuring that the policy is implemented in a manner that aligns with Kenya’s economic realities and administrative needs. The proposed allowance and formal recognition represent a significant step towards enhancing local governance and acknowledging the indispensable role of village elders in Kenya’s administrative landscape. If adopted, this initiative could set a precedent for how local administrative roles are recognized and compensated, paving the way for more structured and effective governance at the grassroots level.
